Why We Should Stop Naming National Venues After Individuals

 While many advocate for naming the stadium after the late Kenneth Matiba to honor his legacy, this discussion highlights a systemic issue: the politicization of public space.

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The naming of national landmarks, such as the newly constructed Talanta Stadium, has sparked a recurring debate: should we continue to name public venues after prominent political figures? While many advocate for naming the stadium after the late Kenneth Matiba to honor his legacy, this discussion highlights a systemic issue: the politicization of public space.

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To foster unity and focus on our future, we should move away from individual names and adopt titles that reflect our collective identity and aspirations.

1. Avoiding Political Rivalry

Naming venues after politicians often turns public infrastructure into a scoreboard for competing legacies. When the choice becomes a "zero-sum game" between various heroes, it creates unnecessary division. Moving away from individual names prevents the "my hero versus your hero" tribalism that often plagues these discussions, ensuring our national symbols unify rather than divide.

2. Public Assets Belong to the People

Public venues are built using taxpayers' money and represent the labor of every citizen. When we name a stadium after an individual, we subtly shift the ownership of that space toward a personal legacy. Names like "Talanta" (Talent) or location-based names like "Kasarani" feel more inclusive because they belong to the entire nation.

3.  Future-Proofing National Identity

A hero in one era may be viewed differently in the next. By naming permanent, multi-billion shillings structures after individuals, we tie national identity to a single person’s reputation. If that reputation is later tarnished, the nation faces the expensive task of renaming. Aspirational names, such as "National Arena," are timeless and immune to changing political tides.

4. Encouraging New Narratives

A name like "Talanta" focuses on the purpose of the venue; the nurturing of talent. It inspires young athletes to think about their own potential rather than the political battles of the past. While history should be honored in museums and textbooks, our living spaces—stadiums, parks, and airports—should reflect our future ambitions.

5. Honoring Through Action

Naming a stadium is often a cosmetic gesture. If we truly want to honor legends like Kenneth Matiba, we should do so by implementing their policies, funding sports federations and maintaining facilities to international standards. A well-run "Talanta Stadium" honors the spirit of our icons far more than a poorly maintained building bearing their name.

The naming of Talanta Stadium is an opportunity to break a stale tradition. By choosing neutral, aspirational, or geographical names, we ensure that our public spaces remain truly public—unburdened by political debt and open to the dreams of every Kenyan.